On September 5-6, 2024, Bishkek will welcome the Regional Conference of Youth on Climate Change (RCOY) for Central Asia and Afghanistan. This significant event, organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, is supported by UNICEF, UNDP, and the Unison Group.
The conference will gather over 200 participants, including young leaders, children, and international partners from across the region. The goal is to discuss and develop strategies to combat the ongoing climate crisis. The outcomes will be presented at the upcoming World Conference of Youth (COY) during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).
Climate challenges in Central Asia and Afghanistan, such as rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and water scarcity, are critical. These environmental changes not only threaten ecosystems but also impact economies and daily life, with children being particularly vulnerable.
This conference highlights the role of youth in addressing these challenges, focusing on topics like climate finance, mountain ecosystems, gender justice, and youth involvement in climate policy. Participants will collaborate to draft a youth declaration on climate action and create recommendations for enhancing youth engagement in climate initiatives.